What are the symptoms of the flu?

Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue, and in some cases, diarrhea and vomiting.

What should I do if I have flu-like symptoms?

• Avoid contact with others: stay home from class, work, and public places.
  *Isolating yourself if you have influenza-like illness protects others in the community, especially those at higher risk for influenza complications.
  *The current recommendation from the CDC is that you should remain isolated until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
• Contact Student Health Service by telephone at 215-746-3535. Student Health will provide guidance about treating influenza-like illness and answer questions.
• Contact your instructors and, if you have a job on campus, your supervisor and inform them.
• You may consider leaving campus to stay with family. If you do leave campus, please inform Student Health at 215-746-3535 and travel in a way that limits your contact with others (e.g., avoid public transportation).
• Seek emergency medical care if you or someone you know is having any of following warning signs:
  *Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  *Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
  *Sudden dizziness
  *Confusion
  *Severe or persistent vomiting
  

What’s the difference between regular seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu (swine flu)?

There are two main types of influenza (flu) virus: Types A and B. Influenza A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year. Influenza A viruses can be broken down into sub-types. Over the course of a flu season, different types (A & B) and subtypes of influenza A viruses can circulate and cause illness.

2009 H1N1 A (referred to as “swine flu” early on) is a new influenza A virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person, in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread.

How do I know if I am at risk for complications from the flu?

According to the CDC, groups at higher risk of complications from flu include: children younger than age 5; people age 65 or older; children and adolescents (younger than age 18) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye’s syndrome after flu virus infection; pregnant women; adults and children who have asthma, other chronic pulmonary, cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or metabolic disorders such as diabetes; and adults and children with immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV). Adults age 65 and older, however, appear to be at lower risk of 2009 H1N1 infection than younger people. However, they are at increased risk of having a severe illness if they do get sick. Anyone at higher risk of complications who develops flu-like symptoms should contact their health care provider immediately.

What can I do to help protect myself and prevent the spread of flu?

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. When a tissue is unavailable, cover coughs or sneezes with your elbow or shoulder instead of your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Monitor yourself for the symptoms of influenza-like illness, which include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. 

What steps can I take now to limit the disruption if I develop influenza-like illness?

• Talk to your roommates about what would happen if you or they develop influenza-like illness.
• Talk to your parents and other family members about what would happen if you or they develop influenza-like illness.
• Ask your instructors about attendance policies and procedures for making up assignments or exams if you become ill.
• Purchase flu prevention supplies such as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, disinfectants, and disposable wipes. Frequently clean high touch surfaces such as desks, door knobs, keyboards, and counters.

What should I do if my roommate or friend gets sick?

Here are some guidelines to follow if your roommates, friends, hallmates, or neighbors develop influenza-like illness:

• Avoid face-to-face contact with the sick person.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner after you touch the sick person or handle items they have touched.
• Monitor yourself for flu symptoms and contact Student Health Service if you develop symptoms.
• Visit the CDC website at www.flu.gov for guidance on caring for a sick person at home.
• If you live on campus and a sick roommate is causing you stress, you should discuss your concerns with your RA/GA or your House Dean.  Whether you live on or off campus, visit the University Life webpage at www.vpul.upenn.edu for information on resources available to you.

Will Student Health prescribe Tamiflu© or other antiviral medication to students?

In keeping with current guidelines from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and the Philadelphia Department of Public Health on treating influenza-like illness, Student Health Service will prescribe antiviral medications on a limited, and case-by-case basis, for those who are pregnant, severely ill, have underlying health conditions (severe asthma, diabetes, HIV disease, immune deficiency).

Is flu vaccine available?

There are two vaccines planned for distribution during the fall: a specific vaccine to protect against 2009 H1N1 influenza and this year’s seasonal influenza vaccine.

Please see the flu vaccine page on this website for up-to-date information on both vaccines.

What should I do if I miss class due to influenza-like illness?

You should make contact with your instructors and let them know that you have influenza-like illness and will be missing class. You are responsible for making up any work you miss and for working with your instructors to minimize the disruption of your absence.  If your illness causes you to miss more than a week of class, you should contact the advising office of your program or school.

What should I tell my parents or family members about plans for influenza at Penn?

You should share the information on this website and on the main Penn flu site: www.upenn.edu/flu to help them learn more about healthcare for students at Penn. Parents and other family members who wish to receive updates about influenza developments at Penn can visit www.upenn.edu/flu and provide an email address.

Where can I learn more about novel H1N1 and seasonal flu?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains a comprehensive website with up-to-date information on H1N1 and seasonal flu: www.flu.gov

Where can I learn more about plans for influenza at Penn?

The University provides ongoing updates at the Penn flu site: www.upenn.edu/flu